Completed Missions
In just over 18 months we have provided eight reunions reconnecting over 300 combat veterans and Gold Star Families. Each completed mission represents the hard work of unit planning committees, partnered with our staff, in creating a unique reunion experience to reconnect brothers in arms and rekindle the warrior spirit that bonds all of us together! Stay tuned, we are just getting started!
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1st Platoon, Alpha Co. 1st CEB Reunion
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Mission Report: Over Memorial Day Weekend the Marines of 1st Platoon executed a reunion aboard a farm in the town of Southold, Long Island. Throughout the weekend, members of the unit had the opportunity to reconnect after 10 years apart, while also spending time with members from the local community who joined in activities commemorating the unit’s accomplishments and honoring their fallen. We were honored to be joined throughout the weekend by the family of Cpl Christopher G. Scherer, a member of 1st Platoon who was killed in action during the 2007 Iraq deployment. The unit participated in a memorial run in Chris’s hometown to honor him and all those from Long Island killed in the War on Terror. Each activity throughout the weekend help to rebuild the special bond of brotherhood that exists between those who served together in combat.
Feedback from the troops: “Thank you to Warrior Reunion Foundation and to all who made this reunion possible. I never thought ten years later I would be surrounded by my brothers, and seeing the Scherer family as well. My attending this event would not have been possible without the support of WRF and I am forever grateful.” |
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Weapons Co. 2/6 Reunion
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Mission Report: From Friday April 27 to Monday April 30 the Marines of Weapons Company 2/6 executed a reunion aboard the beautiful grounds of the Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness in Bluemont, VA. Throughout the weekend, over 50 members of the unit had the opportunity to reconnect, while participating in activities that reignite the warrior spirit and renew their sense of purpose. After a squadon-squad hatchet throwing and archery competition, the Marines honored their fallen with a traditional memorial service supported by local members of the Leatherneck Motorcycle club and American Legion. Each night was spent around a large bonfire with live music and much camaraderie, and the members of the unit left their mark on Boulder Crest by conducting a service project to help maintain the ground for the next group of warriors. Semper Fidelis Marines!
Feedback from the troops: “As combat veterans, we develop a bond that not many will understand. With today’s technology we are able to stay connected as we all move on to a different stage in our lives. However, nothing compares to getting together in person. WRF took care of everything which allowed everyone to focus on reconnecting with each other. I highly appreciate and recommend the work WRF does…This reunion really helped my overall wellness and mental health. It was great to see everyone and able to talk about our prior experiences and current situations. Real lifesaver.” |
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Echo Co. 2/4 Reunion
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Mission Report: From April 6-9 the Marines of Echo Company 2/4 executed a reunion aboard the Fortson 4-H facility in Hampton, GA. During the course of the weekend over 50 Marines from the platoon were reunited, along with Gold Star family members of those they served alongside in combat. Echo Company had the entire facility to themselves, utilizing fire pits and a lake, a rock-climbing wall and ropes course, the amphitheater, dining hall and cabins to create a once-in-a-lifetime reunion experience. Their fallen were honored with a traditional memorial service that included a special opportunity to reconnect with the families of those who gave their lives in service to our nation. Throughout the weekend, members of the unit reconnected in the privacy of the pristine grounds while rebuilding their connections to each other and to the families of those they lost.
Feedback from the troops: “It’s well worth it and very well planned out. The best memory was having the flag ceremony with my brothers: let everyone know how close we all still are. The memorial service had a lot of time put into it, and it was good to honor the fallen in such a big way. WRF provided a wonderful experience when it came to our reunion. We shared stories, caught up, laughed, cried, but in the end, were able to heal and remember. It also allowed me to make new connections and bonds to other Marines from different platoons that I didn't have when in the Corps.” |
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Kilo Co. 3/24 Marines Reunion
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Mission Report: From 5-7 May the Marines, sailors and families of Kilo Company 3/24 executed a reunion to commemorate their battlefield success and the sacrifice of their brothers in arms across multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 120 combat veterans and Gold Star family members came together to reunite, remember and renew bonds forged in the cauldron of combat. Warrior Reunion Foundation was proud to deliver this reunion in the town of Terra Haute, Indiana, with tremendous support from the local VFW and a host of vendors and community organizations who rose up to support this reunion!
Feedback from the troops: “This made me see how important it was to keep in touch with the men and celebrate their lives and welcome each other home” “I was only able to participate with the generosity of WRF. Participating - reconnecting with Marines and Gold Star families in person was fulfilling in a way that is difficult to quantify. Forever thankful!” The event was held at the perfect place. Off the main path, where we could gather and hang out without any problems. You guys did a great job and we were all really impressed at how smooth and nice the reunion was.” |
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Bravo Co. 321st Engineer Battalion Reunion
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Mission Report: From 1-3 September the soldiers and families of Bravo Company 321st Engineer battalion executed a 10 year reunion to commemorate their battlefield success and the sacrifice of their brothers in arms during a deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006/7. Close to 100 Soldiers and Gold Star family members gathered at Schierman Springs, a farm in the town of Saint John, Washington, to enjoy a weekend filled with camaraderie and service. Bonfires and beanbags, cookouts and a memorial service for their fallen brothers made this an unforgettable weekend. Warrior Reunion Foundation was proud to deliver this reunion with tremendous support from the Schierman family and a host of vendors and community organizations who rose up to support this reunion!
Feedback from the troops: “The camp fire at the end of the night…I felt a lot of guys opened up and let a lot of steam and old feelings out. Some stories needed to be told. It was very therapeutic.” “It helps you to remember that those people, your brothers and sisters, weren't just around to help you then, they're there to help you now and always. They're also there for you to help them.” “The whole weekend is a great memory. Any unit thinking of using the service WRF provides should just do it. Don’t hem and haw, just do it. Hopefully we will be using you guys again for our 15 year!!!” |
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2nd Platoon, Lima Battery 3/11 Marines Reunion
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Mission Report: From 8-11 September the Marines of 2nd Platoon, Lima Battery 3/11 executed a reunion to commemorate their battlefield success and the sacrifice of their brother in arms during a deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in 2004. For many, it was the first time they'd seen each other since returning from combat in 2004. The Marines spent the weekend enjoying the impeccable Warrior Focused facility at Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, Virginia, while also visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Marines of 2nd Platoon were honored to be joined by their Assistant Division Commander General John Kelly (USMC, ret) and Colonel Oliver North (USMC, ret) to enjoy an experience fit for our nation's most honorable warriors. Warrior Reunion Foundation was proud to deliver this reunion with tremendous support from the team at Boulder Crest Retreat and a host of local vendors and community organizations who rose up to support this reunion!
Feedback from the troops: “I have not had much if any contact with anyone since I got out in 2007. I had left it behind when I went home and never thought to reconnect. I think being around everyone and seeing some people had some of the same issues I have had over the past ten years or so made me realize a lot of my issues aren't unique or just "my" issues.” “The whole experience was amazing. I didn't realize how much I missed being around all of the guys until it was time to leave them again, which was probably the only bad part of the whole reunion. My spirits had been lifted and I was reminded that there are so many others that are going through the same things I have been… Being able to just forget about the rest of the world and enjoy the company of my brothers was indescribable.” |